When the TCM Classic Film Festival announced a smidgen of its schedule, fans poured over the listings to see what movies were included and did they fit their definition of classic. TCM fans are vocal on social media praising the network when pleased and passionately-yet-constructively criticizing it whenever they think their definition of classic has been strayed from. From what’s been released, I see a good mix sure to make a lot of fans happy. When I was considering whether to attend this year, I definitely felt the pull of the schedule. Let’s review what’s being offered together!
Since so many TCM film fans want to see classic era (i.e. studio era) movies, here’s how the offerings break down by time period. Of the thirty-two films or programs announced so far, twenty-four of them were made before 1970. Seven are from the 1970s or later.
The silent era (1910s-1920s) has two offerings:
The 1930s has eight offerings, half of which are pre-codes:
The 1940s have five offerings:
The 1950s have six offerings:
The 1960s have four offerings:
The 1970s have six offerings:
The 1980s have no offerings.
The 1990s have one offering:
While the bulk of the schedule fulfills the most traditional and constrictive definition classic film, the 1970s, the post-studio era, is very strongly represented. Only the 1930s has more selections; the 1950s ties with the 1970s. Obviously later made films are more likely to have guests that can attend the festival, but I don’t see that as the single motivation for programmers to include such movies. If we go by a broader definition of classic, something that is of its time yet timeless in its ability to be enjoyed repeatedly now and for years to come, then almost all the 1970s programming can be defined as classic. THE LANDLORD sticks out as rediscovery championing.
The post featuring my TCMFF picks will go live soon! In the meantime, feel free to comment on the 2017 schedule’s classic credentials.
Patricia Nolan-Hall (@CaftanWoman)
Looks like something for everybody. I’d love to see a decent copy of The Front Page, my VHS tape (a birthday gift in the 80s) is pretty ragged.
msbethg
Yes, it’s a pretty good mix, and these are only a portion of the films that will play the festival. Since THE FRONT PAGE was restored in 2016, I’m hopeful a distributor will find a way to get what looks like a beautiful new print out to the home viewing public. Not sure if this version’s been shown on TCM yet!
I noticed there’s a western of a sorts on the bill, too! THOSE REDHEADS FROM SEATTLE (1953) is set during the Gold Rush era, and it’s a 3-D musical! That’s a triple genre combo I’m inclined to see!
Erik A.
There’s a newly restored version of THE FRONT PAGE included in the extras of the recent Criterion release of HIS GIRL FRIDAY. I can’t comment on the quality, as I’ve held off watching it in favor of seeing it at TCM. Although I expect it will be much improved to old VHS copies. HIS GIRL FRIDAY, which I did watch, looks pristine in the Criterion release.
msbethg
Erik, thanks for stopping by and sharing this info! Criterion editions are wonderful for their restorations and all their extras. It’s great to learn THE FRONT PAGE is available in a restored edition in a set. After the fest, I’ll have to check out the HIS GIRL FRIDAY set!
Jocelyn
Thanks for laying this out. I’m thrilled to be attending the festival at all, but tend to gravitate toward the earlier films. I’m not crazy about seeing the 70s films, but if there is one I haven’t seen that I know I must, I take the opportunity. Last year, that was M*A*S*H. I’m also interested in THE FRONT PAGE, as there was a revival of the play in Broadway recently and some people I know saw it.
msbethg
Jocelyn, you’re welcome! I tend to gravitate toward the earlier films, too. I’m very excited to see so much 30s fare announced! I bet THE FRONT PAGE will be packed. So nice to have a restoration screened close to the time of a Broadway revival.